Japan scientists grow drugs in chicken eggs

TOKYO: Japanese researchers have genetically engineered hens whose eggs contain drugs that can fight serious diseases including cancer, in a bid to dramatically reduce the cost of treatment, a report said Monday.

If the scientists are able to safely produce “interferon beta”, a type of protein used to treat illnesses including multiple sclerosis and hepatitis, by rearing the hens, the price of the drug—currently up to 100,000 yen ($888) for a few micrograms—could fall significantly, said the English edition of the Yomiuri Shimbun.